A good off-road trip starts long before the tires leave pavement. You need to know which routes are legally open to your vehicle, whether conditions make them safe, what you will do if something goes wrong and how to travel without damaging the land or annoying other users. This guide covers route research on public land, weather and terrain, trip preparation and etiquette, using U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) guidance, National Weather Service (NWS) flood safety and Tread Lightly! principles. We never state that a specific route is open or legal; always confirm with the land manager.

Access rules change. Seasonal closures, fire restrictions, storm damage and new designations can close routes at short notice. Check the current official map and contact the local ranger district or field office before every trip, and obey signs on the ground.

National forests: the Motor Vehicle Use Map

The Forest Service’s Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) is the official map of roads, trails and areas designated for motor vehicle use on each national forest. It shows the vehicle classes allowed and seasons of use, and whether motorized access is allowed for dispersed camping. The Forest Service states that routes not shown on the MVUM are not open to public motor vehicle travel, and that designated routes may not be signed on the ground. MVUMs are free from forest websites and ranger offices, and georeferenced versions are available for some map apps. The MVUM is a reference, not a navigation map: it has no topographic detail, so pair it with a forest visitor map or topographic map. Being shown as open does not mean a route is maintained or suitable for every vehicle.

BLM lands

The BLM asks riders to obey all signs about the management of public lands and routes, notes that fenced areas protecting wildlife and habitat are closed to vehicles, and states that all off-highway vehicles must comply with state regulations. It also asks users to respect private property and keep well away from livestock, wildlife and their water sources. Contact the local field office for route designations and current conditions.

Other land

National parks, state lands and private land each have their own rules. Many national parks allow vehicles only on designated roads. Never cross private land without permission.

See route research and regional guides.

Weather and terrain

  • Floods and water crossings: the NWS warns that 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars and 2 feet can carry away SUVs and trucks, and that more than half of flood-related drownings involve vehicles driven into floodwater. Never drive into flooded roads or around barriers. In dry washes and canyons, check forecasts upstream as well as locally.
  • Heat: breakdowns in hot, remote areas can become emergencies; carry extra water.
  • Mud and snow: wet trails damage easily and are harder to drive; Tread Lightly! advises avoiding wet, muddy trails where you can.
  • Daylight: plan to finish before dark, with time to spare.

See weather and terrain.

Trip preparation

  1. Choose a route within your vehicle’s and your own ability; start easy.
  2. Download maps for offline use and carry paper maps.
  3. Tell someone your route, departure time and expected return.
  4. Travel with at least one other vehicle when possible.
  5. Inspect the vehicle (see vehicle maintenance).
  6. Pack recovery gear you know how to use (see recovery basics).
  7. Carry water, food, warm layers, a first-aid kit and a way to call for help where there is no phone signal.
  8. Check fire restrictions and camping rules.

See trip preparation.

Trail etiquette: Tread Lightly! principles

Principle What it means on the trail
Travel responsibly Stay on designated roads, trails and areas; drive over obstacles rather than around them; cross streams only at designated fords
Respect the rights of others Leave gates as you found them; yield to those passing or travelling uphill; respect private property and campers
Educate yourself Get maps and regulations before you go; take skills classes
Avoid sensitive areas Keep out of meadows, lake shores, wetlands and streams; protect historical and archaeological sites
Do your part Leave areas better than you found them; prevent the spread of invasive species; limit fire use

See trail etiquette.

Camping on the trip

Use designated or permitted dispersed sites, which the MVUM may indicate for national forests. Follow Leave No Trace principles: the National Park Service summary includes travelling and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly and respecting wildlife.

Matching routes to your experience

Route difficulty varies enormously, and rating systems differ between guidebooks and apps. As a rough guide for beginners:

  • Start with maintained dirt and gravel roads shown as open on the official map, in dry weather, with good daylight.
  • Progress to rougher trails with a more experienced group, low range and a spotter for obstacles.
  • Leave for later steep, rocky, remote or water-crossing routes until you have training, recovery skills and suitable equipment.

When in doubt, turn around; the trail will still be there next time.

Signs to turn around

  • The route is not on the official map, or a sign says it is closed.
  • Water is flowing across the route or rising.
  • Mud, snow or ruts are deeper than your vehicle can handle.
  • Weather is deteriorating or daylight is running out.
  • Anyone in the group is uncomfortable or unwell.

Frequently asked questions

Is a route open if it appears in an app?

Not necessarily. Apps can show closed, private or outdated routes. On national forests, the MVUM is the official reference; elsewhere, check with the land manager.

Can I drive off the trail to get around an obstacle?

Tread Lightly! advises driving over obstacles rather than around them, which widens trails and damages land. If you cannot pass safely, turn around.

All planning guides are under Trail Planning.

Sources